Siang Hee Restaurant
When I raved to the boss about the freshness of Siang Hee’s curry fish head, he promptly decided that a lunch visit was in order. So, we rallied the troops, namely Mr J because he drives (and also because he’s a sweetheart of course) and Beeps who loves curry fish head.
As it turned out, the weather was rainy and cool, so eating bubbling hot Curry Fish Head ($18) didn’t leave us all sweaty and bothered by the time we finished lunch.
The verdict: Mr J still prefers Ocean’s version at Amoy Street. Beeps still preferred Marina South curry’s version at Tiong Bahru Market. And CC felt that the fish could be fresher.
I realize that when a particular food or makan (eating) place is raved about, people will invariably end up with high expectations of the food/makan place and sometimes, even if the food/makan place is good, it just doesn’t live up to the hype. As one Top Chef season 4 contestant put it, the best strategy is to “understate and over-deliver”.
I still feel that this is the freshest version of fish head curry I’ve had though. Well, to each their own, huh?
Beeps wanted some broccoli, but unfortunately, they were out of the particular green for that day. So we got a plate of Nai Bai (baby white vegetable? I don't know the English name for this green) lightly sautéed in garlic ($6). This was topped with crispy deep fried garlic which elevated the dish from generic standards.
And because it was lunch with CC, we had to have 2 plates of greens. So we also ordered the Sautéed French Beans with Floss ($7). I’ve previously resisted ordering this dish, although it’s one of Siang Hee’s signature dishes, because I’m so enamoured with Zi Yean’s version. But this was really good as well. CC said the wok was probably very hot (wok hei flavour), and I concur. The french beans were sautéed at very high temperatures to retain maximum flavour. It was wilted just right to the point where the french beans still had some crunch. Diced chili padi was also tossed in for a little heat and topped with some kind of deep fried chopped dried shrimp for added aroma and texture. This instantly got my vote for my second most favourite french beans dish.
We also ordered my favourite Marmite Pork ($8), and this really lived up to the hype I created. They loved the sweet, sticky, smoky and tenderness of the pork. Today’s version arrived with more sauce than usual. And of course CC finished all the lettuce that I always thought was used only as a garnish.
The bill was $41 inclusive of 4 plates of rice. Thank you CC for the lunch treat!
Siang Hee Restaurant
Blk 89 Zion Road #01-137
Tel: 9736 4067
Open daily from 11am to 10.30pm
Closed once every 3 weeks on Tuesdays
As it turned out, the weather was rainy and cool, so eating bubbling hot Curry Fish Head ($18) didn’t leave us all sweaty and bothered by the time we finished lunch.
The verdict: Mr J still prefers Ocean’s version at Amoy Street. Beeps still preferred Marina South curry’s version at Tiong Bahru Market. And CC felt that the fish could be fresher.
I realize that when a particular food or makan (eating) place is raved about, people will invariably end up with high expectations of the food/makan place and sometimes, even if the food/makan place is good, it just doesn’t live up to the hype. As one Top Chef season 4 contestant put it, the best strategy is to “understate and over-deliver”.
I still feel that this is the freshest version of fish head curry I’ve had though. Well, to each their own, huh?
Beeps wanted some broccoli, but unfortunately, they were out of the particular green for that day. So we got a plate of Nai Bai (baby white vegetable? I don't know the English name for this green) lightly sautéed in garlic ($6). This was topped with crispy deep fried garlic which elevated the dish from generic standards.
And because it was lunch with CC, we had to have 2 plates of greens. So we also ordered the Sautéed French Beans with Floss ($7). I’ve previously resisted ordering this dish, although it’s one of Siang Hee’s signature dishes, because I’m so enamoured with Zi Yean’s version. But this was really good as well. CC said the wok was probably very hot (wok hei flavour), and I concur. The french beans were sautéed at very high temperatures to retain maximum flavour. It was wilted just right to the point where the french beans still had some crunch. Diced chili padi was also tossed in for a little heat and topped with some kind of deep fried chopped dried shrimp for added aroma and texture. This instantly got my vote for my second most favourite french beans dish.
We also ordered my favourite Marmite Pork ($8), and this really lived up to the hype I created. They loved the sweet, sticky, smoky and tenderness of the pork. Today’s version arrived with more sauce than usual. And of course CC finished all the lettuce that I always thought was used only as a garnish.
The bill was $41 inclusive of 4 plates of rice. Thank you CC for the lunch treat!
Siang Hee Restaurant
Blk 89 Zion Road #01-137
Tel: 9736 4067
Open daily from 11am to 10.30pm
Closed once every 3 weeks on Tuesdays
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